Well drilling machine



Dec. 20, 1932. 1. c. HARRIS WELL DRILLING MACHINE 4 Sheefs-Sheet l FiledJuly 26, 1929 Dec. 20, 1932. 1. c. HARRIS WELL DRILLING MACHINE FiledJuly 26, 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENT OR.

WTNESSES F/as Dec. 20, 1932. 1. c. HARRIS WELL DRILLING MACHINE FiledJuly 26, 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

Dec. 20, 1932. 1. c. HARRIS WELL DRILLING MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 FiledJuly, 26, 1929 Wange /N VE' /V TOR w/T/vsssL-'s C@ r A Patented Dec.20,v 1932 UNITED STATES IBVING C. HARRIS, l' LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA. I

WELL DBILLING `IIIAGHINE Application led July 26,

This invention particularly relates to a method of drilling, in aneffective and eilicient manner, holes in the earth of large ldiameter togreat depths, such for example as U holes from six inches to three feetor more in diameter and several thousand feet in length, for the purposeof obtaining oil, gas, or water, or for any other purpose.

An object of this invention is to provide a drilling mechanism which isso constructed and may be so operated as to insure the drilling of hard,soft, and variable formations rapidly and with a minimum of drift ordeparture of the bore from a straight line.

Another object is to provide a mechanism that is so constructed that itmay be operated with a minimum of mechanical torque and axial pressuretransmitted through the drill-stem, or drill-pipe, from the turn-tableat the surface of the ground to the cutting tools at the bottom of thehole, in order to eliminate, or greatly reduce, the number of occasionswhen drilling tools have to be fished out of the hole because of thetwisting off of the drill-pipe, or drill-stem, by the application ofexcessive torque and pressure.

Another object is to provide a mechanism so constructed that cuttingtools may be operated by the flow of compressed air, compressed gas, orany other fluidconveyed to and from the drilling mechanism at the bottomofthe hole without mingling with or being effected by the uid fillingthe hole being bored, which latter fluid may also be used forscavenging, or removing the cuttings made by the drilling operation bycirculating it through a conduit for the purpose in the drill-pipe andupward outside of the same.

Another object is to provide a mechanisml so constructed that thecutting tools and their actuating mechanisms may be operated in a{luid-filled hole under great hydrostatic pressure and be fully rotectedfrom loss of efficiency or stoppage y leakage of the said fluid into themechanisms and the conduits conveying the actuating fluid to and fromthe mechanism at the bottom of the hole.

Another object is to provide a mechanism 50 so constructed that, in casea limited amount 1929. Serial N0. y381,328.

of leakage of the scavenging fluid does take place, the leakage mustfirst encounter the outgoing actuating Huid and be by the latter ejectedfrom the drill-pipe in considerable quantities before it is possible forthe leakage iiuid to press upon the walls of the conduit or the packingsenclosing the ingoing actuating Huid, the contamination of which fluidwould cause the most damage.

Another object is to provide a mechanism so constructed that the cuttingtools and their actuating mechanisms ma be relieved of the great weightof the rill-pipe, or drill-stem, in deep holes, and the pressure of thecutting tools on the bottom of the hole and the feeding of the saidtools forward as drilling progresses may be Aaccurately regulated bymeans independent of the weight and downward pressure of the drill-pipe,or drill-stem.

Another object is to provide a method and machine such that indicatingsignals may be automatically transmitted from the cutting tools andactuating mechanisms at the bottom of the hole to the operator at thesurface of the ground, which signals will indicate the position andprogress of the cutting tools and enable the operator to properlyregulate the pressure on the cutting tools and the feeding of the sameforward as drilling progresses.

Another object is to provide a drilling mechanism so constructed thatthe entire mechanism within the bore being formed may be very quicklywithdrawn and replaced within the bore when it is necessary to sharpenor replace cutting tools or repair other parts of the mechanism.

Another object is to provide a drilling mechanism possessing certainrugged details in the cutting tools and their mountings, in combinationwith other advantages set forth herein, which will enable them towithstand the heavy stresses imposed both in normal operation and byaccident or errors of operation, to the end that withdrawals forsharpening, replacement or repair may be made a minimum.

Another object is to provide a drilling mechanism of the above characterwhich posl sesses theb following parts and features, to

wit:

First-A tubular, revolvable stem, in common usage and hereinafter calleda drill-pipe, which drill-pipe has a plurality of conduits, orpassageways, throughout its length, through which fluids may be passed,which drill-pipe is adapted to be lowered into the bore being formed andbe rotated about its axis, by means of a turn-table at the surface ofthe ground, carrying the drilling mechanism attached at its lower end.Second. A telescopic pressure control unit, attached to or near thelower end of the drill-pipe, and incorporating within it means forproviding a limited, axial, telescopic movement and, at the same time, ameans of insuring the simultaneous rotation of all of its parts on theaxis of the unit regardless of the axial position, means of preventingthe mingling of the fluids in the several conduits in passage throughthe unit, means of utilizing the, relative pressures of the fluids inthe several conduits in controlling the axial movement of the telescopic`ioint of the unit and the downward pressure of the parts below the saidtelescopic oint, and means for transmitting indicating signals throughthe fluids along the length of the drill-pipe, which signals willindicate to the operator the position and movement of the pressurecontrol unit. Third-A drilling unit connected below and, through thepressure control unit, to the drill-pipe, and consisting of one or morecutting tools, actuated bythe actuating fluid.

A further object is to provide a construction whereby the parts may bereadily assembled and disassociated.

With the foregoing objects in view, together with such other objects andadvantages as may subsequently appear, the invention resides in parts,and in the construction. combination and arrangement of parts and theirequivalents, and in methods of operating the same, hereinafter describedand claimed and illustrated by way of example in the accompanyingdrawings in which:

Fig. l is a view showing a drilling unit having three drilling bits, as1t appears in section in a plane through the axis of thc unit, throughthe axis of one of the drilling bits and through the axis of one of thescav-` enging iuid conduits.

The position of the'plane of the section is indicated by section line 11 on Fig. 3

Fig. 2 is a view showing a pressure control unit as it appears in sideelevation and axial section. The portion of this View to the left of thecenterline shows a cross-sectional view in a plane through the axis ofthe unit; and that portion to the right of the centerline shows a viewin side elevation.-

Fig. 3 is a view of the drilling unit shown in Fig. 1 as it appears whenviewed from the bottom, looking upward.

Fig. 4 is a view of the drilling unit shown in Fig. 1 as it appears incross-section in a plane at right angles to the axis of the drillingunit, at an elevation indicated by the section 1line 4 4 in Fig. 1, andlooking down-' wart.

Fig. 5 is a view of the drilling unit shown in Fig. l as it appears incross-section in a plane at right angles to the axis of the drillingunit, at an elevation indicated by the section line 5 5 of Fig. 1, andlooking downward. Fig. 6 is a view of the drilling unit shown 1n Fig. 1as it appears in cross-section in a plane at right angles to the axis ofthe drilling unit, at an elevation indicated by section line 6 6 in Fig.l, and lookingdownward.

Fig. 7 is a view of the pressure control unit shown in Fig. 2 as itappears in crosssection ina plane at right angles to the axis of thepressure control unit and through the interlocking splines at theelevation indicated by section line 7 7 in Fig. 2, and looking downward.

Fig. 8 is a view of' a tool-joint, or coupling, used in connecting thesections of the drillpipe together, as the tool-joint appears in crosssection in two planes intersecting in the axis of the tool-j oint asindicated by section line 8 8 in Fig. 9. The planes of the section areso chosen that the portion of Fig. 8 to the left of the center-lineshows a crosssection through the fluid passages, and the portion to theright of its centerline shows a cross-section through the supporting andcentering lugs which connect the concentric tubes together.

Fig. 9 is a view of the tool-joint shown in Fig. 8 as it appears incross-section in a plane at right angles to its axis, through thesupporting and centering lugs as indicated by section-line 9 9 in Fig.8, and looking downward.

Fig. 1 0 is a view of thetool-joint shown in Fig. 8 as it appears incross-section in a plane at right angles to its axis, through thesupporting and centering lugs as indicated by section-line 10 10 on Fig.8 and looking downward.

Fig. 11 is a view of the tool-joint shown in Fig. 8 as it appears' incross-section in two, parallel off-set planes at right angles to theaxis of the tool-joint, through two sets of supporting and centeringlugs as indicated by the off-set section-line l1 11 in Fig. 8, andlooking upward.

Fig. 12 is a view of the tool-joint shown in Fig. 8 as it appears incross-section in a plane at right angles to its axis, through thesupporting and centering lugs, as indicated Athe tool-oint shown in Fig.8, as 1t appears in side e evatlon when the upper portion isdisconnectedfrom it.l

Fig. 14 is a view of a portion of the upper portion of the tool-jointshown in Fig. 8, as it,

' appears in side elevation when it is disconnected from the lowerportion of the tooljoint. A partial section indicates the position ofthe two inner, concentric sleeves.

Fi 15 is an enlarged cross-section showing e type of packing used in thetool joint 1 shown in Fig. 8 and in the drilling and pressure controlunits. A

Fig. 16 is a diagrammatic representation of a drilling unit such asshown in Fig, 1 and a pressure control unit such as shownin rig. 2 astheyappear in operation in drilling a well, showing a cross-sectionthrotlgh` the axis of the two units. 1

Fig. 17 is a view of a part of member 54 ofthe pressurejcontrol unitshown in Fig. 2,

as it appears. in axial section and showing the splines as they appearwhen cut as spiral splines anddis-aembled from the matchinsplines shownin Fig. 18.

ig. 18 is a view of a part of the pressure control unit shown in Fig. 2,as it appears in axial section and showing the splines as they appearwhen cut as s iral splines and dis-assembled from the mate ing splinesshown in Fig. 17.

The mechanism illustrated in Figs. 1 to 15 both inclusive, in eneral,consists of a drillpipe in sections o any desired length, commo y fortyfeet, joined together by tooljoints, as shown in Figs. 8 to 15 bothinclusive, to the lower end of which is connected the pressure controlunit, as shown in Fig. 2, and the drillin unit as shown in Fig. 1. Thetwo units may e virtually integrahas shown Y in Figs. 1 and 2, wherethey unite on sectionline 2-2, or they may be separated by one or morelengths ofdrill-pipe.

The assembly of parts named in the above paragraph is rotated slowly inthe hole being drilled, by means of a turn-table or rotary table, asindicated by 82 in Fig. 16; and the cutting tools or bits, shownprojecting at the bottom of Fig. l and in end view i-n Fig. 3 anddesignated as part 18, detach the material from the bottom of the holeby being actuated by fluid pressure mechanisms of the hammer type,within the drilling unit, so as to strike very rapid, shattering blowson the material at the bottom of the hole with which the cutting toolsare held in contact by the action of the pressure control unit ashereinaftcr described, as the assembly of parts is rotated slowly. A

Water, carr ing considerable quantities of clay, mud an detritalmaterial, commonly called mud, slusl1, wash-water, or cirunlt, conduitsfor the urpose, to the noz'-l zles 19 at the bottom o the drillingunit,` where the scave i fluid impin -es at high pressure on the bo l mof the hole and cary ries the detrital material 'away from the cuttersand upjthe bore between the walls and the drill-pipe to the surface,where the coarser detrital material is deposited, or preci itated fromthe water; and the scavenging uid is .pumped back through the samecircuit again. The mechanism is described as follows:

In Fig. 1, part 20 is the assembly head, which connects with the tubularcasing 21 and through it to the pressure controlv unit.

All of thc excavating mechanisms are assembled upon the assembl head 20;and these include the cutting too s 18, three in number in `thisillustration butv from one to six, or more, in other designs and sizesinvolving the same basic princ1ples.

' The cutting tools 18 restin rectangular sockets, to prevent rotationaway from'their proper posltions, and are prevented from bcing lostincase of breakage of bit stems by j retainer block 22. Packing 23 is anauxiliary ofv member 68- packing; and 24 is the main packing. Sleeves 25act as retaining sleeves for the packin s and as guide bearings for thestems of tle bits. Packing 24 is of an automatic typc actuated by thepressure of the luid bein excluded, acking against both the stem an theWall o the opening in which it is installed and not dependent upon glandpressure for its functionin A.- large scale cross-section of this t e opacking is shown in Fig.- 15.

The pac lng may be of rubber, fabric, im-

pregnated fabric, leather, metal or any other material. The combinationof the two packings and the sleeves is used for the purpose of excludingfrom the interior of the drilling .unit the scavenging fluid in the holebein drilled, it having a Very high ressure te (E ing to pass upwardlyalon t e stem. The

interior of the drilling unit will be at the l pressure of the exhaustactuating fluid.

. Above the main packing 24, is an essembly of parts including a recoilspring 26 for the purpose of' holding the cuting too against itsshoulder in the rectangular seat at the bottom of the assembly head 20when the hydrostatic pressure is not suilicient to do so.

One type of hammer for actuating the cutting tools is shown, in which 27is the cylinder in which the hammer piston 28 is reciprocated rapidly bythe actuating fluid, striking anvil block 29 which in turn transmits theblow to the end of the cutting tool or bit 18.

The actuating fluid, such as compressed air, is admitted to the cylinderby a valve mechanism, or equivalent, of which one type is indicatedj inFig. 1, in which. 30 is the moving member. In another type, the hammerof each actuating mechanism may be the moving member of the valvemechanism servin"r it.

The valve mechanisms and conduits fhr distributing the incomingactuating fluid to the cylinders are contained within cylinder headk a.which, also, serves to hold the cylinders 1n place, being secured inplace by the nuts', 31 on the pipes 32 which .convey the scavengingfluid to the nozzles 19.

The actuating fluid is brought from the surface of the ground throughthe drill-pipe and pressure control unit, through distributor head 33 toscreen chamber 34 and thence through the valve mechanisms to thecylinders. A screen, not detailed, in 34 excludes foreign particles frompassing to the valve mechanisms and cylinders. The exhaust actuatin gfluid discharges through ports in the cylinders, through reverse-flowcheck valves, not shown, into the interior of the casing of the drillingmechanism at 35, fromvwhence it passes upward through tube 36 to thedistributor head 33 and thence through the pressure control unit anddrill-pipe to the surface of the ground.

The distributor head 33 is attached to the which are threaded into theassembly head I and locked by the nuts 42. Packing 37 and a coppergasket 38, when casing 21 is in place, seal the interior of the drillingunit against the entry of scavenging fluid at these points.

The How of the fluids is indicated by arrows in the drawings. Thescavenging fluid used in removing the cuttings is brought downwardthrough the drill-pipe, pressure control unit and drilling unit inpassageways Jfor the purpose, as indicated by the arrows, to nozzles 19.Except in parts of the drilling unit, the conduit or passageway for thescavenging fluid is outside of and concentric with the other twoconduits.

' The specified relation of the three conduits is an important featureclaimed for this combination of mechanisms and the invention itself, inthat any disturbing leakage of scavenging fluid inwardly must passthrough the walls of two conduits or through two packings in seriesbefore reaching the compressed air going to the hammers Where theconsequences would be the greatest. Furthermore, the exhaust air goingupward at high velocity and with some agitation will carry outconsiderable quantities of leakage. For

f this reason, tube 36 is led to a point near the bottom of the spaceWithin the casing in order to provide the equivalent of an air lift tocarry out any condensation or leakage accumulating therein.

The various parts are indicated by the numbers on Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6which show crosssections of the drilling unit at the indicated points.

The details ofthe pressure control unit are shown in Figs. 2 and 7; andthe basic principles of its operation with respect to the pres'- sure onthe cutting tools and the feeding of the same, also the transmission ofsignals indicating its position, are illustrated by a diagrammaticrepresensation in Fig. 12. In this latter figure, part A represents anassembly of all of the parts of the drilling unit and the pressurecontrol unit which are rigidly connected with each other and which, inoperation, are free to move in an axial direction as an assembled unitwith respect to the other parts hereinafter described. The partsconstituting part A are indicated by hatching in one direction.

Part B in Fig. 16 represents an assembly of all of the parts of thepressure control unit and the drill-pipe reaching to the turn-table orrotary-table, represented by 82 in Fig. 16, and the draw-Works andwater-swivel, represented by the swivel 81 in Fig. 16 at the surface ofthe ground, which are rigidly connected to each other and, inoperationmove in an axial direction only when moved by the draw-Works atthe surface of the ground when manipulated by the operator. The partsconstituting part B are indicated by hatching in a direction opposite tothe hatching of part A. The positions of various parts making up theparts A and B are indicated by the numbers used for the correspondingparts in the other figures.

In operation, the hole being drilled is filled with scavenging fluid,the circulation of which down through the boring mechanism and upwardsin the space outside of the same, as indicated by arrows, is maintainedby pressure pumps at the surface of the ground. There is a resistance,or loss of pressure through the pipes and orifices represented by 32 and19 respectively, which may be regulated as to amount by the constructionand proportioning of these parts, and made large or small as desired.Due to this resistance, the pressure of the scavenging fluid within thepressure control unit, indicated by chamber 60, is higher than thepressure of the scavenging fluid in the hole outside of the pressurecontrol unit at the same elevation.

The irregular space, or chamber, designated by the number 61, is ineffect a differential cylinder, or plunger, formed by the two packings44 and 45, and, also, contains a set of inlterlocking splines soconstructed as to form a telescopic joint including a jaw-clutch whichpermits movement of the interlocking members in an axial directionWithin limits fixed by the shoulders at 57, 58 and 59, but causes allparts to rotate about the axis of the unit simultaneously. The pressurein this space or chamber is maintained at the pressure of the exhaustactuating fluid by a port 56, connecting with the exhaust actuatingfluid conduit. v

The scavenging fluid in the Well being bored has a lifting effect uponall of the equipment in the well e ual to the weight of the fluiddisplaced. T e wei ht of the equipment represented by part may be fromone to one hundred tons, always exceeds the lifting effect; and part Bmay be considered as lfixed in this connection. Since part B is fixed inposition and part A is free to movc within limits fixed by the shoulders57, 58 and 59, in an'axial direction with respect to part B, part A willmove one way or the other, or transmit thrust at the limits of travelaccording to the resultant direction and amount of the com onent forcesacting upon part A as hereina ter described.

The buoyant effect of the fluid in the hole outside ofthe drill actsupon part A in an upward direction; and its amount as a thrust in anupward direction is computed from the area upon which the thrust iseffective, it being the. area of the plunger formed by the packin whereit slides upon part 55, and the hy rostatic pressure of the fluid in thewell at that elevation. This thrust in an upward direction is opposedbythe pressure of the scavenging fluid within the pressure control unit,represented by the chamber and the amount of this o position is computedfrom the pressure an the area upon which this pressure is effective, itbeing the area of the plunger formed b packing 44 where it slides insleeve 53, wit in part 52, minus the area of the plunger formed bypacking 43 where it slides on sleeve 46. The subtraction of this latterarea is due to the fact that the scavenging fluid in the hole outsideacts `upward upon this area while the scavenging fluid within the unitcan not act upon the same area.

The differential cylinder represented by chamber 61 is kept at theressure of the exhaust actuating fluid; an there is a thrust upon part`A in an upward direction which may be computed fromthe area of theplunger formed by packin 44 where it slides within sleeve 53, withinpart 52,l minus the area of the plunger formed by packing 45 where itslides on part 55. Since the pressure of the exhaust actuating fluid islow with respect to the other pressures, this thrust is unimportant initself; but the im-y ortant function of this differential plunger is dueto the fact that theV pressure in chamber 61 is lower than the pressureof the scavenging fluid either within chamber 60 or in the well outside,thus yincreasing the downward thrust due to the pressure of thescavenging fluid within chamber 60 by an amount that may be computedfrom the difference in pressures in chambers 60 and 61 and the area ofthe, differential plunger represented by chamber 61.

There are thrusts in a downward direction due to the pressure of theexhaust actuating fluid acting on the plunger formed by sleeve 46 whereit slides in packing 43, an due to the pressure of the compressedactuating fluid acting upon the plunger formed by sleeve 49 where itslides in sleeve 48; but these thrusts are small in proportion to theothers.

The resultant of these various forces will cause movement of A upward ordownward, or cause variations in pressure'on the bottom when the partsrepresented by A are resting on the bottom, according to the relativepressures, and the areas upon which they act, of the several fluids andthe force of gravity upon part A. The direction and ma 'tude of theresultant may be controlled y the proportioning of the areas of thevarious plungers and the range of pressures used, in designing andassembling the pressure control unit, and by variation of the pressureAof the fluids, particularly the scavenging iiuid at the pumps, inoperation. i

The net result of this is that the downward pressure upon the cuttingtools is equal to the weight of the parts below the telescopic jointplus or minus a pressure due principally to the dierence in pressures ofthe column of scavenging fluid within the drill-pipe and the scavengingfluid in the well outside, acting upon plungers. This latter pressureupon the tools may be varied within limits by varying the pressure ofthe scavenging fluid at the pumps. This is an important feature of thisinvention, in that the pressure on the tools at the bottom may be related by means independent of the great weight of the drill-pipe abovethe telescopic joint.

In Fig. 16, a port, or orifice, is indicated at 50, in sleeve 49, whichport is so disposed that it will be uncovered by sleeve 48, which slidesover sleeve 49, when the parts A and B approach their open position, aswhen the shoulders 57 and 58 are in contact. This ort will allow theby-passing, or escape, o the compressed actuating fluid into the'exhaustfluid conduit without passing through the hammers. The effect of thisby-passingv will be to cause an increase in the flow and a dro inpressure of the compressed actuating lui Y, which changes in liow andpressure will be observable on the pressure gauge 88 and flow meter 89,in Fig. 16, installed in the pipe line from the source ofcompressedactuatinc fluid to the drilling machine. Another e ect will be anincrease in flow and an'increase in Apressure of the exhaust actuatingfluid which will-be observable on the flow meter 87 and the pressuregauge 86 installed in the exhaust line from the drilling machine.

This by-passing action and the effects that it produces, as indicated bythe gauges and meters named, will convey to the operator the informationthat the telescopic joint is approaching, or has reached, its extendedposition, and will be an indication that he should lower the drill-pipeby manipulation of the draw-works, represented by the swivel 81, in Figc16| Vclosed position, as shown in Fig. 16, and

throttle, either wholly or in part, as desired, the compressed actuatingluid Going downward to the drilling unit. This throttling will cause areduction of ilow and a rise of pressure of the compressed actuatingfluid which will be indicated on flow meter 89 and pressure gauge 88,and a reduction in low` and a drop in pressure of the exhaust actuatingfluid which will be indicated on flow meter 87 and pressure auge 86.This throttling action and the e ects produced by it, as indicated bythe instruments named, will convey to the operatorv the information thatthe telescopic joint is approaching, or has reached, its closed positionand will be a signal to him to cease lowering, or raise slightly, thedrill-pipe by manipulation of the drawworks.

The normal operating position of the telesco ic-j oint will be betweenthe two extremes; an the si als described are to guide him in keeping ejoint away from the extremes and in the desired position.

In Figs. 2 and 7, 17 and 18, are shown details of a speciic illustrationof the type of pressure control unit used with a drilling machine usinglluid-pressure actuated cutting tools. The three important packings 43,44 and 45 are shown with their associated parts. The ackings are of thetype shown in Fig. 15. acking 43 slides upon sleeve 46. Packing `44slides within sleeve 53 which is renewable. Packing .45 slides upon 55.The port 56 keeps the pressure in chamber 61 at the pressure of theexhaust actuating liuid.

The telescopic joint has a travel which is .limited by the shouldersindicated at 57 and 58 and the shoulders at the opposite end, shown in'contact at 59. A cross-section on section-line 7 -7 is shown in Fig. 7and this shows the yinterlocking splines connecting parts 68 and 69 andrequiring them to rotate on their axis together. lThe splines may be cutspirally in either direction in order to allow a limited'rotation of thetwo parts with respect to each other as the telescopic joint opens `orcloses; or, the splines may be cut parallel to the axis.

Fig. 17 shows a view of a portion of part 54 as it appears in axialsection, and shows splines cut in a spiral direction. Fig. 18 shows aview of a. portion of part 68 as it appears in side elevation, and showssplines cut spirally to match those in the companion member in Fig. 17.The splines may be cut at any angle in either direction; or they may becut parallel with the axis, i. e. with the lines 90 and 91 parallel withthe axis. It may be seen that when torque is being transmitted throughthe telescopic joint from part 54 to part 68 there is a resultant thrusttending to move 68 upward with respect to 54, as in screwing a nut on abolt, the amount of the thrust increasingas the pitch of thespirialincreases or the angle is made greater. Ifthe spiral has theopposite direction, the thrust will be downward on part 68 with respectto 54. If the splines are cut parallel with the axis, there is noresultant thrust from the torque being transmitted through thetelescopic joint.

The cutting of the splines in a direction to produce a downward thrustas a resultant of the rotative torque provides an automatic means ofassisting the downward movement or pressure as the rotative torqueincreases; since the down thrust increases with increasing torque; andthis action may be desired under some conditions of operation. Thecutting of the splines in a direction to produce an up-thrust as aresultant of rotative torque provides an automatic means of decreasingthe downward pressure and assisting upward movement as the rotativetorque increases; and this action may be desired when drilling incertain formations in order to relieve the pressure o the tools on thebottom when striking hard spots that might cause excessive torque.

Plug valve 51 is indicated in its closed position against a seat in theend of the sleeve 49; and the port of valve 50 is shown in its closedposition, covered by sleeve 48 which slides on sleeve 49.

An essential part of the drilling mechanism, herein called a tool-joint,is illustrated in Figs. 8 to 15 both inclusive, and is used to connecttogether all sections of the drillpipe; and portions of a tool-joint areused to connect the drill-pipe to the pressure control unit. The detailsof construction are quite fully disclosed in the drawings; and thecourses of the fluids in their passage through the joint are indicatedbv arrows. Important members are the packings, 70

(which may be alternately as shown at 72) and 71 (which ma bealternately as shown at 73). The pac rings are to prevent the minglingofthe fluids betweenl the several passages under all conditions ofoperation.

Particular attention is called to an important feature claimed for thisinvention, viz: the concentric arrangement and order of the fluids andtheir conduits. The scavenging fluid is in the outer conduit and mayhave a pressure of thousands of pounds per square inch in very deepbores; and the exhaust actuating fluid is in the intermediate conduitand will have a pressure of only a few pounds per square inch aboveatmospheric pressure. Packing 70 (or 72) prevents the higher pressurefrom entering the intermediate conduit; but, occasionally, it

may be less than 100% effective, in which case, any limited'leakage maybe carried upward by the rapidly moving exhaust actuating fluid. Thecompressed actuating fluid may have a pressure in excess of 100 poundsper square inch; and leakage into the innermost conduit can not takeplace except in case of comple-tc breakdown of the packings and floodingof the intermediate conduit.

Another important feature claimed for this combination lies in the factthat'y the joints, with their packings or equivalents, which prevent theinterniingling of the fluids in the several conduits and the holeoutside, are all made up in one simple operation by screwing up thetapered-thread, tool joint. The metal-t0metal shoulder oint 74 and thetwo packings 70 (or 72) and- 71 (or 73) which are automatic packings ofthe t-yple `ndicated in Fig. 15, completely isolate t e fluids in theseveral conduits.

Another feature claimed for this combination lies in the fact that, inwithdrawing the drill-pipe from the bore under occasonal conditions, theouter conduit may be filled with scavenging fluid above the joint beingtaken apart, due to stoppage of the nozzles in the drilling unit, inwhich case, the tapered joint is unscrewed and arted only enough toallow the scavenging uid to drain out while a portion of packing 70 (or72) remains in contact with sleeve 7 6 and effective at the lowpressure. then involved. By this means, the scavenging fluid isprevented from entering the actuating fluid conduits;

f and, after the scavenging fluid has stopped running, the outgoingsection of pipe is tal:- en away.

Another important feature claimed is the manner of centering andsupporting the three concentric conduits with respect to each other, inwhich the intermediate tube is supported under slight tension againstshoulders on the outer tube and the inner tube is supported and centeredagainst shoulders on the intermediate tube, all in such a manner thatthe walls of the three vconduits will divide the axial stresses whichresultfrom the weight of the drill-pipe hanging in the well below thesection considered.

The tool-joints may be welded to the pipe sections in the shop or mill;and the pipe sections with their attached companion tooljoint membersvirtually constitute integral pipe units each with three .conduitsthroughout its length; and the assembly of the same is herein designatedas the drill-pipe.

Fig. 13 shows the outside appearance ofthe lower part of a tool-jointwith the upper part taken away from it; and Fig. 14 shows a portion ofthe upper part. A partial cross-section indicates the position of thetwo sleeves 7 5 and 76 which engage the the'two packings and 71. i

Details of the centering and supporting lugs are indicated bycross-sections shown in Figs. 9, 10, 11 and 12, which are taken on thesection-lilies 9 9, 10-10, 11-11, and 12-12, respectively, in Fig. 8.

Having described the various component parts, it 1s pointed out that adrilling mechanism employing a drilling unit using fluid pressureoperated cuttin tools, a ressure control unit and a drill-plpe of the caracter described, excavate'sthe material b rapid, shattering blowsstruck on the. ottom,

and not by shear, crushing by stead pressure,

or by abrasion or wearing away o the material with tools requiring heavydownward pressure and heavy rotative torque. The steady downwardpressure is onl that required to overcome the recoil of t e percussiontools; and the torque is only that required to traverse the cuttingedges about the bottom. The pressure control unit enables the pressureto be controlled within the required limits; and the net result is thatthe s drilling is carried on without heavy pressure and heavy torque;which are the factors that cause frequent twisting-off of thedrill-pipe,

and which are the greatest controllable faclating, scavenging fluid, andthat the keepj in of this scavenging fluid out of the actuating-fluidconduits and mechanisms, and the control of the pressure of the cuttingtools on the bottom of the well and the feeding of them downward,'bymeans of the apparatus and method of use disclosed and claimed v herein,are vital factors in accomplishing that result.

While I have shown and described a specific embodiment of the invention,I do not limit myself to the exact details in construction disclosed,but may employ such changes in conlstructionand arrangement of parts,and such modifications and equivalents as come within the scope oftheappended claims.

I cla1m:-

1. In a drilling machine of the character described, a rotatabledrill-pipe containing a pluralrty of conduits for the conveyance offluid; a drilling mechanism, operated by fluid,

connected to the drill-pipe and rotatable with it means of regulatingthe operation of the drilling mechanism; means of conveyin to and fromthe drilling mechanism the flghids required in its operation; one ormore cutting tools proJecti-n through openings in the bottom of the driling mechamsm and supported which the packing is installed by thepressure of the uid which the packing 1s intended to prevent frompassing through the opening for the cutting tool; liuid o erated meansof actuating the cutting tools y means of percussive blows; means ofreturning and holding each cutting tool in position to receive thefollowing blow after the force of the preceding blow has been spent;means of removing the cuttings made by the cutting tools.

2. In a drilling machine of the character described, a rotatabledrill-pipe having a plurality of passageways for the conveyance of luid;a drilling mechanism, operated by fluid, connected to the end of thedriil-pipe and rotatable with it; means of regulating the operation ofthe drilling mechanism;

' means of conveying the fluids to and from the themselves so as toexclude any and all pressures of fluid outside of the drilling mechanismfrom entering the interior of the same, upward along the stem or alongthe contact of the packing with the. wall of the opening in which it isinstalled ;`recoil-spring mecha-4 nisms to hold the heads ofthe cuttingtools against their seats in the sockets at the bottom of the drillinmechanism.

3. In a driling machine of the character described, the combination of adrill-pipe in sections; a plurality of conduits for the transmission oiuid through the drill-pipe; tooljoints connecting the sections ofdrill-pipe together; a combined drilling and pressure control mechanismconnected to the drill-pipe and rotatable with it, the said combinedmechanism comprising a series of superimposed and telescopic sectionsjoined together generally by threaded joints, the lower section being'anassembly-head. to which is connected a framework of tubing and otherparts, upon which is assembled the cutting tools and their actuatingmechanisms, the next section a tubular casing enclosing theassembly-head and framework and the tools and mechanisms mounted on thesame, the next section a long tubular section connected to a shortersection, the two enclosing an assembly of telescopic, tubular membersdisposed in two groups in such a manner as to have a limited, telescopicmovement axially between the two groups, and interlocking members whichcause the two groups to rotate upon their common axis togetherregardless of the relative axial position of the two groups, and thenext section a tubular section included as amember of one of the twogroups aforesaid and connected by means of a tool-joint to thedrill-pipe.

4. In a drilling machine of the character described, a drillingmechanism, operated by fluid, connected to, and rotated in the holebeing drilled by, a drill-pipe containing a plurality of conduits forthe conveyance, to and from the drillingmechanism, of the i'luidsrequired in its operation; a control mechanism forming the upperlsection of the drilling mechanism and comprising an assembly of tubularmembers disposed in two groups which are interlocked by means whichpermit a limited, relative movement between the two groups, in a spiraldirection about the axis of the drilling mechanism, but compels the twogroups to rotate upon the axis together as a unit regardless of therelativeposition of the two groups in an axial direction, theinterlocking means being so constructed that the rotativetorque,'transmitted through the control mechanism from the drill-pipe,in the operation of the drilling mechanism, vproduces a resultant thrusttending to shorten the drilling mechanism and lift its cutting toolsfrom the bottom of the hole being drilled; means by which the shorteningand lifting effect may be opposed or assisted, as desired, and therelationship between the said veffect and the opposition or assistancemay be regulated by adjustment of the pressures of the iiuids used inthe opera-tion of the drilling mechanism.

5. In a drilling machine of the character described, a drillingmechanism, operated by iluid, connected to, and rotated in the holebeing drilled by, a drill-pipe containing a plurality of conduits forthe conveyance of fluid to and from the drilling mechanism, as requiredin its operation; a control mechanism forming the upper section' of thedrilling mechanism and comprising an assemblyI of tubular membersdisposed-1n, two groups which are interlocked by means which rmit alimited, relative movement between t e two groups, in a spiral directionabout the axis of the drilling mechanism, but' compels the two groups t0rotate. .11P`Q11,. the-asis.. tbvetheras. a unit regardlessef therelative position ofthe two groups 'inf a1i'exie1. 1;re =tit the.isterlocking rmeans being so constructed that the rotative torque,transmitted through the control mechamsm from the drill-pipe, in theoperation of the drilling mechanism, produces a resultant thrust tendingto lengthen the drilling'mechanism and press the cutting tools uponthe'bottom o the hole being drilled; means by whichthe len thening andpressing of the tools downwar may be op- 10 p0sed or assisted, asdesired, and the relationship between the said .eect upon the drillingmechanism and cutting tools, and the osition or assistance, may beregulated by a )ustment of the ressures of the fluids used in theoperation o the drillin mechanism.

6. In a drilling machine o the character described, a drillingmechanism, operated by iluid, connected to, and rotated in the holebeing drilled by, a drill-pipe containing a plurality of conduits forthe conveyance, to

`and froml the drilling mechanism, of the fluids required in itsoperation; a control mechanism vforming the upper section of the drillinmechanism and com rising an assembly o tubular members isposed in twogroups which are interlocked by means which permit a limited, relativemovement between the two groups, in a spiral direction about the axis ofthe drilling mechanism, but compels the two groups to rotate upon theaxis together as a unit regardless o the relative position of the twogroups in an axial direction, the interlocking means being soconstructed that the rotative torque, transmitted through the controlmechanism from the drill-pipe, in the operation of the drillingmechanlsm, producesa resultant thrust tendin to shorten the drillingmechanism and li t its cuttin tools from the bottom of the hole beingdri led means by which the shortening and lifting effect may be opposedor assisted, as desired, and the relationship between the said effectand the opposition or assistance may be regulated.

7. In a drilling machine of the character described, a drillingmechanism, operated by fluid, connected to, and rotated in the holebeing drilled by, a drill-pipe containing a plurality of conduits forthe conveyance, to

I. and from the drilling mechanism, of the tion, the interlocking meansbeing so constructed that the rotative torque, transmitted through thecontrol mechanism .from the drill-pipe, in the operation of the drillingmechanism, produces a resultant thrust tend- 1ng to len en the drillingmechanism and press its cutting tools upon the bottom of the hole beingdrilled; means by which the stated effect may be opposed or assisted, asdesired and the relationship between the said eEect intddthe oppositionor assistance may be regua e v 8. In a drilling machine of the characterdescribed, the combination of a drill-pipe; a iluid-pressure-actuated,drilling mechanism, connected to the drill-pipe and rotatable with thesame; means of conveying to and from the drilling mechanism the fluidsrequired in lts operation; a control section of the drilling mechanism,comprising a subdivision of the parts forming the upper portion of thedrilling mechanism into two groups of members, of generally tubularform, concentrically disposed and telescopically intermeshed, each withthe companion member of the other group, the two groups havinginterlocked splines and shoulders, in such a manner as to permit the twogroups to have a limited, relative movement in a spiral direction withrespect to each other, and to compel the two groups'to rotate ontheir-common axis together, as the drilling mechanism is rotated,regardless of the relative position of the two groups in a spiraldirection, and the said two .groups of members being provided withpackings and associated parts, so constructed, proportioned and disposedas-to form with the said members a pluralityv of concentric passagewaysfor the conveyance of Huid from one group to the other and, also, toform a plurality of annular pistons upon which may act the pressures ofthe fluidsy in a manner tending to cause thrust and movement in a spiraldI- rection between the two groups; means of controlling the saidthrusts by adjustment of the pressures of the fluids supplied for theoperation of the drilling mechanism; valves, operable upon the relativemovement between the two groups aforesaid, so constructed as to cause areduction in flow of one of the fluids as one limit of the said relativemovement is approached and an increase in low of one of the iuids as theyother limit` of the said relative movement is approached means by whichthe said changes of flow may be made observable at the station of theoperator of the drilling machine; cutting tools projecting from thebottom of the drilling mechanism tluid-pressure-operated means ofactuating the cutting tools in a manner to cause each cutting tool toreceive, transmit and deliver upon the material at the bottom of thehole being drilled a succession of percussive blows; means of returningand holding each cutting tool in position to receive the following blowafter the force of the preceding 'blow is spent; nozzles and connectingducts for directing upon the bottom of the hole a fluid used in removingthe cuttings made by the cutting tools.

9. In a drilling machine of the character described, the combination ofa drill-pipe; a luid-pressure-operated drilling mechanism, connected tothe drill-pipe and rotatable with the same; means of conveying to andfrom the drilling mechanism the fluids required in its operation; meansof adjusting the over-all, axial length of the drilling mechanism, thesaid means comprising a separation of the parts forming the upperportion of the drilling mechanism into two groups of members ofgenerally tubular form, concentrically and telescopically intermeshed,one group attached to the lower portion of the drilling mechanism andthe other group attachable to the drill-pipe, the two groups havinginterlocking splines and shoulders, in such a manner that the two groupsmay have a limited, relative axial movement between them, and, also,that they must rotate together on the axis regardless of the said axialmovement; packings and retaining members so constructed, proportionedand disposed with reference to the two groups of members aforesaid as toform with the said members a plurality of concentric passageways for theconveyance of fluid from one group to the other and, also, to form aplurality of annular pistons upon which the pressures of the uids mayeXert axial thrusts tending to cause relative, aXial movement betweenthe two groups; means of controlling the said thrusts by adjustment ofthe pressure of the fiuids supplied for the cperation of the drillingmechanism; valves, operable upon the relative movement between the twogroups aforesaid, so constructed as to cause a'reduction in How of oneof the fluids as one limit of the said relative movement is approachedand an increase in fiow of one of the fluids as the other limit of thesaid relative movement is approached; means by which the said changes iniiow may be made observable at the station of the operator of thedrilling machine; cutting tools projecting from the bottom of thedrilling mechanism; fluid-pressure-operated means of actuating thecutting tools in a manner to cause each cutting tool to receive,transmit, and deliver upon the material at the bottom of the hole beingdrilled a succession of percussive blows; means of returning and holdingeach cutting tool in position to receive the following blow after theforce of the preceding blow is spent; nozzles and connecting ducts fordirecting upon the bottom of the hole a fluid used in removing thecuttings made by the cutting tools.

10. In a drilling machine of the character described, the combination ofa drill-pipe; a fiuid-pressure-actuated drilling mechanism, connected tothe drill-pipe and rotatable with the same; means of supplyin g thefluids to the tached to the remainder of the drilling mechanism, andinterlockin splines and shoulders, so constructed an disposed as topermit the said group of members` including the means of attachment tothe drill-pipe, to have a limited, telescopic movement with reference tothe remainder of the drilling mechanism in a manner to change the axiallength of the said drilling mechanism from the bottom thereof to theattachment to the drillpipe' and, also, to compel the said group ofmembers and the remainder of the drilling mechanism to rotate together,as the drilling mechanism is rotated with the drill-pipe, regardless ofthe relative, axial position of the 4said group and the balance of thedrilling mechanism; packings and retaining members installed between theintermeshed members aforesaid and so constructed, proportioned, anddisposed with reference to the said members as to form a plurality ofconcentric passageways for the conveyance of fluid between thedrill-pipe and the lower part of the drilling mechanism and, also, aplurality of annular pistons upon which the pressures of the iuids usedin operating the drilling mechanism may act to produce axial thrusttending to cause relative movement of the said group of members attachedto the drill-pipe with reference to the remainder of the drillingmechanism; means of controlling the said relative movement by adjustmentof the pressures of the fluids; valves, operable. upon the relativemovement described, so constructed as to throttle the flow of one of thefiuids as one limit of the said rela tive movement is approached and soas to divert the fiow of one of the fluids from its regular course, intoa passageway normally having a lower pressure, as the other limit of thesaid relative movement is approached, the described changes in How beingof sufficient amount and of a character to be recognizable at thestation of the operator ofthe drilling machine at the surface of theground; a fluid-pressure-actuated mechanism within the drillingmechanism for actuating the cutting tools; means of directing jets of afluid on the bottom of the hole for the purpose of washing away thecuttings made by the cutting tools.

11. In a drilling machine ofthe character describedfthe combination of adrill-pipe; a fluid-pressure-operated drilling mechanism, connected tothe drill-pipe and rotatable with the sam-e; means of supplying to thedrilling mechanism the fluids required in its operation; means ofregulating the feeding of the 5 being connected to the drill-pipe andhaving a plurality of tubular members, concentrically disposed andintermeshed with companion members of the other section, which sectioncontains the cutting tools, actuating mechanism and associated parts,the two component sections aforesaid being so constructed that the lowersection may slide upward and downward with reference to the uppersection through a distance limited by limiting collars but must rotatewith the upper section when it is turned by the drill-pipe, and theconcentrically disposed and intermeshed members being equipped withpackings and so constructed, proportioned, and disposed as to form withthe tubular members aforesaid three concentric passageways for theconveyance of fluid through the upper section from the drill-pipe to thelower section, and, also, to form a combination of annular plungers uponwhich the pressures of the fluids in the three passageways may becaused, by regulation of the said pressures, to exert thrusts by whichthe lower section of the drilling mechanism may be raised and loweredwith reference to the upper section; valves, operable by the relativemovement between the two sections, which will cause changes in the flowof the fluids such as to be recognizable by the operator when eachextreme of the relative movement is approached; cutting tools projectingthrough the bottom of the drilling mechanism; packings installed in theopenings for the cutting tools; means situated between the packings andthe cutting edges of the cutting tools for the purpose of holding themfrom turning away lfrom their proper position; retaining keys forpreventing the heads of the cutting tools from separating from thedrilling mechanism in cases of breakage of the stems of cutting tools;fluid-pressure-operated means of actuating the said tools and means ofremoving the cuttings made by the 0 same.

12. In a drilling machine of the character described, a drillingmechanism, operated by fluid, connected to and rotated in the hole beingdrilled by a drill-pipe containing a plurality of conduits for theconveyance of fluid to and from the drilling mechanism; a controlsection forming the upper part of the drilling mechanism and comprisinga telescopic joint providing means of changing the length of thedrilling mechanism in an axial direction, the telescopic jointcomprising a plurality of members of generally tubular form.concentrically and telescopically disposed in two groups between whichrelative, axial move- CJ ment may take place, and equipped with packingsand auxiliary parts, and forming a plurality of concentric passagewaysfor the conveyance of. fluid through the telescopic joint from thedrill-pipe to the drilling section of the drilling mechanism and forminga plurality of annular pistons so disposed and proportioned that thepressures of the several fluids being conveyed will tend to cause thrustand movement in an axial direction between the two groups of membersaforesaid; means of adjusting the said thrust and axial movement byadjusting the pressure of the fluids; means of limiting the relativeaxial movement; means of causing both groups of members aforesaid torotate together on the common axis, as the drilling mechanism isrotated, regardless of the relative axial position of the two groups ofmembers; a valve mechanism so constructed and' connected that it willthrottle the flow of one of the fluids as the telescopic jointapproaches its closed position, in a manner to produce a reduction inflow of the fluid at thestation of the operator of the drilling machine;a valve mechanism so constructed and connected that it will bypass anddivert from its regular course the flow of one of the fluids, as thetelescopic joint approaches its extended position, in a manner toproduce an increase in flow of the fluid. at the station of theoperator.

13. In a drilling machine of the character described, a drillingmechanism, operated by fluid, connected to and rotated in the hole beingdrilled by a drill-pipe containing a plurality of conduits for theconveyance of fluid to and from the drilling mechanism; a controlsection forming the upper part of the drilling mechanism and comprisinga telescopic joint providing means of changing the length of thedrilling mechanism in an axial direction, the telescopic jointcomprising a plurality of members o-f generally tubular form,concentrically and telescopically disposed in two groups between whichrelative, axial movement may take place, and equippcd with packings andauxiliary parts, and forming a plurality of concentric passageways forthe conveyance of fluid through the telescopic joint from the drill-pipeto the drilling section of the drilling mechanism and forming aplurality of annular pistons so disposed and proportioned that thepressures of the several fluids being conveyed will tend to cause thrustand movement in an axial direction between the two groups of membersaforesaid; means of adjusting the said thrust and axial movement byadjusting the pressures of the fluids; means of limiting the relativeaxial movement; means of causing both groups of members aforesaid torotate together on the common axis, as the drilling mechanism isrotated, regardless of the relative, axial position of the two groups ofmembers.

IRVING C. HARRIS.

